Meeker Classic, 2013: Tess wins by half a point

Key facts

Champion score

Dennis Gellings and Tess, 139

Reserve score

Scott Glen and June, 138.5

Published report

15 September 2013

Heat and tough sheep shape the preliminaries

The organiser describes the twenty-seventh Meeker Classic as a well-attended event in hot weather, with sheep that strongly tested the dogs. A field of 125 dogs went to the post in the preliminary stage. Thirty advanced to the semifinal on Saturday 7 September, when temperatures were more moderate and scoring improved. Nine semifinal scores reached at least eighty-seven, with Don Helsley and The Wizard leading that round on ninety-six. Those figures describe progression through different stages, not points to be added together to decide a combined championship. The eventual final would have its own result.

The first final run stays in front

Twelve dog–handler teams reached Sunday’s final. Dennis Gellings and three-year-old Tess ran first, scored 139 and remained unbeaten throughout the day. Scott Glen and June finished just half a point behind on 138.5. This creates the edition’s distinctive competitive story: the target was established immediately, yet the margin remained very narrow. The Wizard’s leading semifinal score did not itself confer the championship. Preserving the separate stages explains why a dog can head one round while a different partnership wins the title after the field is reduced for the final.

An art result with consequences for the next edition

The event report also records educational exhibits, demonstrations, vendors and an art show alongside the working-dog competition. Trish Lane’s Step in Time won the art award and was selected as the following year’s poster artwork. That is a separate judged activity, but a meaningful part of this edition’s identity and its visual legacy. The organiser’s special-awards sheet complements the narrative with recognition beyond the final placings. Together they show why a Meeker history includes community and art as well as the sheep work, while keeping the 2013 trial outcome distinct from the artwork’s later use in 2014.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Meeker Classic — 2013 Results and event report (opens in a new tab)
• Meeker Classic — 2013 special awards (opens in a new tab)

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